Nothing says a fresh start like a clean coat for your pooch, but you have to have the right tools and know-how. So today’s we’re going to grooming school for the the latest tips on how to groom your dog at home…
To start put together a ‘At Home Groomer’s Tool Kit’ including some cute rubber gloves, a brush or slicker comb, detangling spray, and a shampoo and conditioner. I tend to gravitate towards 2-in-1 versions just because it means less time wrangling a wet dog!
Plan to wash your dog first thing in the morning. This will allow your dog to dry naturally in the sun during the day. Try to schedule bath time every 2-4 weeks depending on your dog’s coat.
Make sure you remove your dog’s collar before grooming. Ensure you have access to clean, warm water to wash and rinse, as well as your tool kit and towels to dry on standby.
Before washing make sure you brush your dog’s coat to remove any tangles and matts, using the detangling spray to help remove any stubborn areas.
Always wash in the direction of the hair flow and massage the shampoo in. The more you try to make the experience enjoyable for your dog, the easier the task will be.
Rinse, rinse, and rinse again!! In case you missed that, always rinse well, paying particular attention to the paws, hind legs and hard to reach areas. You don’t want your dog to have shampoo left in their coat.
Dry well, using an ultra absorbent towel ensuring you pat down between the toes and behind the ears.
Finish with a game! For a lot of dogs, bath time is a chore, so by finishing with some fun, it will make your dog more inclined to enjoy things next time.
Excited to get your dog wash on? Well the team from Blackmores new range PAW – Pure Animal Wellbeing – have a brand new luxury coat and skin care range just for pooches. I’ve had the pleasure of trialing these products with Soda and not only are they easy to use, they leave your dog’s coat super fluffy and sweet smelling. Cruelty free, and formulated by veterinary experts and animal dermatologists, this new grooming system is the perfect way for your pooch to start 2012 on their best groomed foot! The range includes:
The PAW 2 in 1 Conditioning Shampoo. This little beauty is a gem for all dog types. Sulphate and soap free it gently cleans and conditions in one simple step leaving your dog’s coat silky smooth. Scented with lavender and jojoba, this wash is oh-so-simple to use. Perfect for time poor or home grooming beginners.
The PAW Sensitive Skin Range. Specially formulated for dogs with fragile and sensitive skins, this range cleanses using rosemary and sandalwood essential oils in the shampoo, and moisturises through the avocado and jojoba oils in the conditioner. Perfect for dogs prone to irritation or allergies.
The PAW NutriDerm Replenishing Range. The jewel in the home groomers crown. This Shampoo and Conditioning duo provides advanced skin care to clean, moisturise and nourish your dog’s skin and hair. Using colloidal oatmeal and rosehip oil in the shampoo along with a new ingredient, Cerasine, in the conditioner the combination provides a soothing effect for dogs with itchy, dry or normal skin.
PAW Puppy Range. Using yummy ingredients such as chamomile and coconut this range strengthens, conditions and nourishes your pup’s young coat and skin.
For more information on the Blackmores PAW Natural Coat & Skin Care line visit their website.
*** GIVEAWAY! ***
As a Fresh start 2012 bonus, Blackmores and PAW want to give one lucky Pretty Fluffy reader their own grooming range valued at over $100 to get started. The pack includes:
1 x PAW NutriDerm® Replenishing Shampoo
1 x PAW NutriDerm® Replenishing Conditioner
1 x PAW 2 in 1 Conditioning Shampoo
1 x PAW Rose Aroma Grooming Mist
For your chance to win, please leave ONE comment under this post in 25 WORDS OR LESS answering the question ‘When has your dog most needed a wash?’
Make sure you include your email when you comment – this will not be published or shared, however I will need it to contact you if you are the lucky winner.
One entry per person. The ONE answer deemed most creative will be chosen as the winner. Open to Australian and NZ readers only and shipping is included as part of the prize.
The competition will end on Sunday 22 January at 5:00pm Sydney EDT. The winner will be announced Monday 23 January on Pretty Fluffy. Good Luck Everyone!
UPDATE: Entries have now closed and the winner will be announced Monday 23 January on Pretty Fluffy. Good luck everyone!
